By Buba Gagigo
The National Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse has reported inadequate funding as a significant obstacle in their efforts to combat the drug KUSH.
The task force’s findings indicate that the nation has witnessed eleven fatalities linked to KUSH. The report, under the section titled ‘Challenges,’ underscores the “lack of adequate financial resources for all the planned initiatives set forth by the taskforce to bolster prevention and control strategies” as the main concern.
The task force has also pinpointed additional challenges and obstacles in their fight against this deadly street drug:
1. Incomplete filling of patient information, limiting data analysis and interpretation.
2. Challenges in accessing information of unreported suspected cases within the communities
3. Negative impact of social media surrounding suspected cases.
The task force has put forth several recommendations to help in the fight against KUSH:
1. Government and partners should provide funding for the activities outlined by the taskforce.
2. Regional Health Directorates and health facility staff should ensure that the recording of patient registers/folders is completed.
3. The task force should update the case definition and data reporting tools.
4. Taskforce to engage the Regional Health Directorate (RHDs) and other authorities to conduct community case searches on unreported Drug and Substance Abuse “Kush” cases
5. Taskforce to continue sensitization throughout the country to orient PoEs,